Neighbors gather for National Night Out events

The National Night Out event at the Annandale Shopping Center included a demonstration by the Hupmudo martial arts studio, games, snacks, face painting,raffles, and booths set up by local businesses.

Dozens of neighborhood gatherings – such as cookouts, ice cream socials, and outdoor movies – were held throughout the Annandale/Mason District area on the evening of Aug. 1 to celebrate National Night Out.

National Night Out at the Annandale Shopping Center.

NNO is a national program aimed at encouraging neighborhood groups to invite police officers and first responders to social events as a way of promoting good relationships and trust among residents and law enforcement – with the ultimate goal of creating safer communities.

A neighborhood cookout at Spring Lane Park in Bailey’s Crossroads was hosted by the Bailey’s Crossroads Community Shelter Advisory Council and the Fairfax County Office to End and Prevent Homelessness.

Police officers at the National Night Out event at Spring Lane Park with Jimmy Rogers (second from the left), the director of the Bailey’s Crossroads Community Shelter.

Residents of the Pinecrest community in Annandale gather for a potluck in the gazebo. The men in the foreground are from the Fairfax County Police Department’s criminal investigations bureau.

Capt. Thomas Rogers (left), commander of the Mason Police District, chats with Pinecrest residents.

National Night Out at the Parliaments featured an outdoor screening of “Moana,” popcorn and other snacks, a raffle, and a community walk around the neighborhood,

Iliana Gomex of Southern Management welcomes residents to National Night Out at the Parliaments.